Tim Tebow adds filmmaker to his trophy case

Tim Tebow is adding another hyphen to his impressive list of life accolades: filmmaker.

The Heisman Trophy winner, NFL quarterback, pro baseball player and best-selling author has completed filming on his first movie, serving as executive producer with his older brother Robby on “Run the Race.”

The film wrapped in April and is finalizing post-production as the filmmakers work out the theatrical release.

“It’s exciting,” Tebow tells USA TODAY. “I’ve received a lot of scripts over the years. But I haven’t always wanted to be in filmmaking. I want to do the right films, films that will encourage or inspire or move people.”

The inspirational film focuses on a theme familiar to the 31-year-old devout Christian, who has battled the odds in his bid to make it in professional baseball with the New York Mets. Tebow suffered a season-ending broken bone in his right hand last month.

“Run the Race” follows two brothers whose father abandons them after their mother dies. All-State high school football player Zach (Tanner Stine) earns a college scholarship but receives a devastating injury. Brother David (Evan Hofer) laces up his track cleats to salvage their future and show what’s possible when you run to – not from – the love of God.

“There are a lot of similarities in my life between two brothers supporting one another, having each other’s back, believing in one another,” says Tebow, the youngest of five children.

“My family and my brother have always given me so much support. That’s made such a big impact on me being able to go after my dreams.”

The film stars “Forrest Gump” actor Mykelti Williamson as the boys’ coach and Frances Fisher as their surrogate mother. Former NFL running back Eddie George plays a college recruiter.

Screenwriter and producer Jake McEntire pitched the idea of getting the Tebow brothers involved and “we jumped on the opportunity, wholeheartedly,” says Robby, 36.

He served as his brother’s liaison on the set in Birmingham, Alabama, working with director Chris Dowling and communicating frequently with Tim, who was traveling for baseball.

Tim used his muscle to get permission to film pivotal scenes at his alma mater, the University of Florida. The brothers shot cameo roles, but Tim Tebow acknowledges those appearances might not make the final cut.

Might we see more of Tebow acting onscreen in the future?

“I have thought about it from time to time. I’m waiting for the right role that would click with my personality and my heart,” he says. “It’s something I would be open to maybe one day.”

In the meantime, he’s focused on healing following surgery on his hand; he’s speaking by phone on his way to a physical therapy appointment. Tebow hasn’t given up on his big-league dreams.

“Every setback is just another opportunity for a comeback. I love and embrace that,” says Tebow.

“I still had an exciting baseball season and it’s been a really fun ride. But I’m excited to be able to get back to work, heal this thing up, and get right back at it.”

The brothers vow to celebrate whenever “Run the Race” has its premiere.

“That’s going to be a fun moment to have a premiere and we can watch it together,” Robby Tebow says. “I’m really looking forward to that.”

“I want to do the right films, films that will encourage or inspire or move people.”

Tim Tebow Former quarterback now playing minor league baseball

RUN THE RACE LLC Executive producer Robby Tebow, left, chats with his film’s stars, Evan Hofer and Tanner Stine, on the set of “Run the Race.”